Whirling silently in space.
Tag: Photography
Some 30 km outside of Calitzdorp in the Western Cape is the Gammkaberg Nature Reserve, run by Cape Nature. There are a number of trails in the park, the longest (two days) is the Tierkloof Trail that runs up the Tierkloof canyon stops at Oudkraal, an over night camp and then returns to the base camp the next day. Both days distance is about 14 km. The scenery is magnificent and the going moderately hard. The first day ends with a climb of about 450 m over 3 km. The second day is easier with a sharp down hill and then fairly flat all the way home. I recently hiked this trail and it is, as claimed one of the more beautiful hikes in the Western Cape.
The base camp.
Setting out
The trail is built on and around the river that carved the klook (canyon). The river does not run often so this is not a problem. It could get tense though….
Elements of the Cape Fold Mountains can be seen.
Thorn trees growing in the riverbed.
Trail markings are very good, this is an informal one that took my fancy
At Overhang, about halfway there and back. 
Overnight camp – Oudkraal.
Sunset is a special time
And the stars are spectacular
Down again.
And relax
Enjoy the sunset
Before the long road home
More pictures here:
In early September and before the rains, we visited the Kruger National Park. The grass was low and the animals plentiful. Here are a few of our pictures.
Lowveld Sunset
Nyala
The original cliched lowveld sunset picture.
Blue head
African Hoopoe
Spotted Hyena and pup
Goliath Heron
Terrapin
We went on a cruise with 2000 other birders looking for pelagic birds.
We got some really great shots and had a really good time. We left Cape Town in the late afternoon
Lions head and Table Mountain
The sunset was marvelous
Then next day, the birds
And then back again.
There is a video here
We spent a weekend in Grootvadersbosch and the second night was really good for astronomy. Clear and near windless. Beautiful!
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Clouds over Grootvadersbos
We went to Grootvadersbos recently and were treated to an amazing sunset as an electric storm raged just over the mountains.
I missed the lightning but got some really great pictures.
Amanda and I ended up going to the SANG today and found the most amazing military vehicle. A Casspir, completely covered in bead work with a Bible quotation to justify the work. Absolutely beautiful, and in another sense horrible.
You decide.
Photo credits to Amanda and I as I am not sure who shot which image.
But first a description of the art work by the gallery
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Some Pictures from Our Holiday
De Hoop and McGregor
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Another Cape Town
Cape town is known for its mountains, seascapes, vineyards and general lazy attitude to life. We all recognise the iconic Table Mountain.
But there are other Cape Towns, one of which I found when walking to work. Join me on a walk from Belleville Station up to Voortrekker St.
Cape Town has a large Muslim community.
Shops have mannequins on the pavement outside the tiny shops.
A shopkeeper chains his mannequin to the shop.
Many of the stores carry a mix of products for sale.
And supply hawkers with bulk supplies.
This place is no exception to the multiple income stream business
A herbalist alongside and arcade.
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Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve
Terrapin in the Sun
Fiscal Fly catcher and babies
Tortoise
Tortoise
Flower in terrible dry conditions
Rooikat Trail, Vrolijkheid Reserve
Family Outing